Deadline: 3-Dec-21
The U.S. Embassy in Juba, South Sudan, in coordination with the Regional English Language Office at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is inviting potential in-country educational service providers (universities and colleges) in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal to apply to administer the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) on a competitive basis.
This invitation is to apply for a sub-award with FHI360. Access aims to equip selected students with strong English language skills that can lead to better jobs, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their country, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future U.S. exchange and study programs. Moreover, it helps students gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic ideals.
The program has been operational since 2004, and it provides a foundation of English language skills to 13-20-year-old bright but economically disadvantaged pupils through after-school classes and intensive sessions.
Objectives
- The overall objective of the Access Program is to enhance the English-language skills of disadvantaged youth and thereby develop increased self-confidence, stronger critical thinking skills, and opportunities to study or obtain jobs.
- Specific objectives include:
- Providing students from socially disadvantaged families with English language classes at no cost;
- Enabling these students to develop leadership and interpersonal skills through various enhancement activities;
- Increasing students’ understanding of U.S. culture and ideals through enrichment activities;
- Enabling students with improved English language skills to successfully participate in U.S. Government-funded academic exchange programs and other public diplomacy initiatives.
Funding Information
- The Access Program request for proposals is expected to identify one provider to fund two-years of after-school classes, enhancement activities and intensive sessions for 50 students, at a cost of no more than a total of $35,000. This means a proposal should be for up to $35,000 and for 50 students.
- As it is indicated in the handbook, grantee organizations are expected to keep administration costs to a minimum.
- Please note that administration costs should not exceed 10 percent of the total budget.
Guidelines
- The program implementing organization will be expected to provide selected groups of students with two years of after-school English language instruction and enhancement activities, e.g., at least 180 hours of instruction per year or a minimum 360 hours within two years, aimed at improving students’ overall English language proficiency in the four basic skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
- In addition to providing quality instruction in the English language to Access students, grantees will be encouraged to conduct enhancement activities with content that gives the participants insights into, and an appreciation for, U.S. culture and democratic ideals.
- These activities could involve such things as public speaking or debate; lessons on U.S. society and culture; community awareness activities, including civic education classes; community service and advocacy discussions and activities, including Global Youth Service Day; and English-language summer camps. Enhancement activities should be designed to help students better understand U.S. society and ideals, including the U.S. values of volunteerism and community service.
For more information, visit https://ss.usembassy.gov/request-for-proposals-to-implement-the-english-access-microscholarship-program-in-wau-south-sudan/
